Gel Polish Color Indicating and Dispensing Pen and Method of Application

ABSTRACT

A gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen and method of application stores and dispenses a gel polish having a unique color from a pen that is easy to grip and manipulate. The pen provides an interior transparent tube that stores the gel polish while enabling a clear view of the color of the gel polish through a transparent sidewall when the dispensing tip of the pen is uncapped. A dispensing tip is in fluid communication with the gel polish. A cap detachably encapsulates the dispensing tip. An exterior opaque tube is used for labeling of the gel polish, and for covering the interior transparent tube. The exterior opaque tube comprises an ornamental window that enables viewing of the color of the gel polish when the dispensing tip is capped. A UV coating or lens may overlay the window to reduce damage to the gel polish from light waves.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen and method of application. More so, the present invention relates to a gel polish container and applicator that stores, visually displays, and dispenses a gel polish having a unique color from an elongated pen that is easy to grip and manipulate for application of gel polish; and further provides a window that enables viewing of the color of the gel polish when the dispensing tip is capped, and a transparent tube that enables viewing of the color of the gel polish when the dispensing tip is uncapped.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Typically, nail polish is a lacquer that can be applied to the human fingernails or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates. The formulation of nail polish is designed to enhance its decorative effects, and to suppress cracking or flaking. Often, nail polish consists of a mix of an organic polymer and several other components.

Often, the finger nails are decorated by applying such colored nail polishes. These polishes, when hardened, gave the finger nails a decorative and appealing appearance. Nail polishes are formulated in various colors that provide decorative effects to the nails. The colors are applied to the finger nails as smooth uniform coatings.

In many instances, brushes and foam applicators are used to apply the nail polish to finger nails. These applicators generally consist of small bristled brushes having substantially uniform bristles. These applicators are specifically designed to apply the nail polish as uniformly as possible to create a smooth and uniform coating. The end result is a finger nail having a reflective uniform color.

It is known in the art that cosmetic products, such as skin care products, eye care products, lip care products, and nail products are selected for purchase by consumers based at least in part on their color. For certain other products, such as nail polish, color is among the primary considerations of a user. Thus, it may be important for the user to see the actual color of the product in its container, rather than merely to see a representative sample of that color, for example, on a label.

Other proposals have involved gel polishes and applicators thereof. The problem with these nail polish cosmetic devices is that they do not allow the user to view the color of the nail polish prior to applying. Also, the applicator is not designed to fit in the hand for facilitated application of nail polish. Even though the above cited gel polishes and applicators meet some of the needs of the market, a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen and method of application. More so, the present invention relates to a gel polish container and applicator that stores, visually displays, and dispenses a gel polish having a unique color from an elongated pen that is easy to grip and manipulate; and further provides a window that enables viewing of the color of the gel polish when the dispensing tip is capped, and a transparent tube that enables viewing of the color of the gel polish when the dispensing tip is uncapped is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen and method of application. The pen serves to store, visually display, and dispense a gel polish with a unique color from an elongated pen that is easy to grip and manipulate during application of the gel polish. The pen provides an interior transparent tube that stores the gel polish while enabling a clear view of the color of the gel polish through a transparent sidewall when the dispensing tip of the pen is uncapped. Ridges form on the tube to facilitate gripping and manipulating the pen during application of the gel polish. A dispensing tip is in fluid communication with the gel polish. A cap detachably encapsulates the dispensing tip. The pen further provides an exterior opaque tube for labeling of the gel polish, and for covering the interior transparent tube. The exterior opaque tube comprises an ornamental window that enables viewing of the color of the gel polish when the dispensing tip is capped. An ultraviolet light (UV) coating or lens may overlay the window to reduce damage to the gel polish from light waves.

In one embodiment, the gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen comprises an interior transparent tube defined by a substantially transparent sidewall forming an interior volume. The substantially transparent sidewall comprising an outlet end forming an outlet port. The interior transparent tube is operable to contain a gel polish in the interior volume.

The gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen further comprises a dispensing tip affixed to the outlet port of the interior transparent tube. The dispensing tip comprises a coupled end and a tapered dispensing end. The dispensing tip is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the interior transparent tube. Thus, the tapered dispensing end controllably dispenses the gel polish.

The gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen further comprises an exterior opaque tube at least partially encapsulating the interior transparent tube. The exterior opaque tube comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The exterior opaque tube further comprising an ornamental window. In this manner, the ornamental window enables viewing of the color of the gel polish in the interior volume of the interior transparent tube.

The gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen further comprises a cap that detachably couples to the distal end of the exterior opaque tube. The cap at least partially encapsulates the dispensing tip. Thus, when the dispensing tip is uncapped, the color of the gel polish is viewable through the substantially transparent outlet end of the interior transparent tube. And when the dispensing tip is capped, the color of the gel polish is viewable through the ornamental window of the exterior opaque tube.

In another aspect, the interior transparent tube has a generally cylindrical shape.

In another aspect, the interior transparent tube comprises glass or a transparent polymer.

In another aspect, the outlet end of the substantially transparent sidewall comprises multiple ridges.

In another aspect, the exterior opaque tube has a generally cylindrical shape.

In another aspect, the ornamental window has an hourglass shape.

In another aspect, the cap has a generally cylindrical shape.

In another aspect, the cap detachably couples to the distal end of the exterior opaque tube in a snap-fit relationship.

In another aspect, the tapered dispensing end of the dispensing tip comprises a felt material.

In another aspect, the dispensing tip tapers from the coupled end to the tapered dispensing end.

In another aspect, the pen further comprises a UV protective coating or lens.

In another aspect, the UV protective coating or lens overlays the ornamental window.

In another aspect, the gel polish includes: nail gel polish, a nail polish, a nail varnish, or a lacquer configured to protect nails against drying out and cracking.

One objective of the present invention is to dispense a colored gel polish.

Another objective is to provide multiple transparent indicators that enable viewing of the gel polish prior to dispensing, so that a user is sure of the color of gel polish prior to application to the nails.

Yet another objective is to provide a window that is ornamental in shape.

Yet another objective is to provide ridges in the outlet end of the substantially transparent sidewall to enhance gripping and manipulation of the pen during application of gel polish.

Yet another objective is to provide a UV coating or lens to overlay the ornamental window, so as to reduce the transmission of light of at least one wavelength capable of photo-curing the gel polish.

Yet another objective is to provide a tapered dispensing end of the dispensing tip to enable uniform application of the gel polish.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen.

Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen, with a cap attached and a gel nail polish viewable through an ornamental window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen shown in FIG. 1, with the cap detached and a gel nail polish viewable through the transparent outlet end of the inner transparent tube and the ornamental window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for applying gel polish with a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen 100 and method 300 of application is referenced in FIGS. 1-3. The gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen 100, hereafter “pen 100” is configured to store, visually display, and dispense a gel polish. The gel polish may include a lacquer that is applicable to the nails for decorative and cosmetic purposes; and further be defined by a unique color. As FIG. 1 shows, the pen is generally elongated and easy to grip and manipulate for application of the gel polish. A cylindrical shape and ridges that form on the pen further facilitate gripping and manipulation thereof. Further, the pen is unique in that it provides at least one ornamental window, and a transparent interior tube that enable the color of the gel polish to be viewed, whether the pen is capped or uncapped. In this manner, the color of the gel polish 110 is verifiable by looking at the gel polish through at least one ornamental window 106, or an interior transparent tube 200, rather than a representative sample of that color on a label stuck on the pen 100.

As referenced in FIG. 2, the pen comprises an interior transparent tube 200 that serves to contain a gel polish 110 having a unique color. In one embodiment, the interior transparent tube 200 has a generally cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape is similar in shape and dimension to a pen. This allows for facilitated gripping and manipulating for application of gel polish 110. Though in other embodiments, other shapes are possible, including a rectangular, pyramidal, an irregular shape, or other ornamental shape known in the art of cosmetics. The interior transparent tube 200 is generally rigid and smooth, so as to securely contain the gel polish.

In some embodiments, the interior transparent tube 200 may be defined by a substantially transparent sidewall 202. In one non-limiting embodiment, the sidewall comprises glass or a transparent polymer. The sidewall forms an interior volume 204 that is sufficient to hold a volume of gel polish. The substantially transparent sidewall 202 comprises an outlet end 206 forming an outlet port 208. The outlet end 206 of the substantially transparent sidewall 202 may form multiple ridges 216. The ridges 216 are sized and dimensioned to provide a space for the fingers during application of the gel polish 110. This facilitates application thereof

The interior transparent tube 200 is sized and dimensioned to not only enable facilitated gripping, but also to contain a sufficient quantity of gel polish 110 in the interior volume 204. The gel polish 110 may include, without limitation, a nail gel polish, a nail polish, a nail varnish, and a lacquer configured to protect nails against drying out and cracking. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the gel products that are too soft to create a nail extension. Such gel products include gel polishes and thicker gels for gel-overlay. In application of the gel polishes, manicures are gentle to the natural nail and the polish stays intact on the nail for at least a couple of weeks with high shine and no cracking, peeling or chipping.

Continuing with FIG. 2, a dispensing tip 210 is affixed to the outlet port 208 of the interior transparent tube 200. The dispensing tip 210 comprises a coupled end 212 that couples to the outlet end 206 of the transparent sidewall 202, and a tapered dispensing end 214. The tapered dispensing tip 210 is in fluid communication with the interior volume 204 of the interior transparent tube 200 and the outlet port 208. The tapered dispensing end 214 controllably dispenses the gel polish 110 as it is being applied.

In some embodiments, the gel polish may dispense through the tapered dispensing end 212 of the dispensing tip 210 through gravitational forces, or a pump that creates sectional forces to force the gel polish out the outlet port 208. In some embodiment, the dispensing tip 210 forms a tapered configuration from the coupled end 212 to the tapered dispensing end 214. This tapered shape helps the gel polish 110 to flow more uniformly from the dispensing end 214. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tapered dispensing end 214 of the dispensing tip 210 comprises a felt material that helps in applying the gel polish. Though other materials that help distribute gel polish 110 in a uniform manner may also be used for the tapered dispensing end 214.

In some embodiments, an exterior opaque tube 102 comprises a proximal end 104 a and a distal end 104 b that at least partially encapsulates the interior transparent tube 200. The distal end 104 b is the end more proximal to the dispensing tip 210. In one non-limiting embodiment, the exterior opaque tube 102 has a generally cylindrical shape, which substantially matches the cylindrical shape of the interior transparent tube 200. This cylindrical shape is similar in shape and dimension to a pen. This allows for facilitated gripping and manipulating for application of gel polish 110. Though in other embodiments of the exterior opaque tube 102, other shapes are possible, including a rectangular, pyramidal, an irregular shape, or other ornamental shape known in the art of cosmetics.

Turning back to FIG. 1, the exterior opaque tube 102 comprises at least one ornamental window 106 along a longitudinal length. The ornamental window 106 enables viewing of the color of the gel polish 110 that is being stored in the interior volume 204 of the interior transparent tube 200. In this manner, the color of the gel polish 110 is verifiable by looking at the gel polish through the interior transparent tube 200, rather than a representative sample of that color on a label stuck on the exterior opaque tube 102. This creates a more accurate color depiction. The shape of the window 106 is ornamentally designed to enhance the color effect and marketability of the pen 100. Also, a clearer view of the color nail polish is possible through an enhanced looking window.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the ornamental window 106 has an hourglass shape. Though in other embodiments of the window 106, other shapes may include, without limitation, a circle shape, a triangle shape, a square shape, an animated figure shape, a star shape, a moon shape, and an animal shape.

In one alternative embodiment, the pen 100 utilizes a UV protective coating or lens 218. The UV protective coating or lens 218 overlays the ornamental window 106 to protect the gel polish from detrimental effects to exposure of light through the window, even when the dispensing tip 210 is capped. Those skilled in the art will recognize that colored cosmetics, such as nail polish are sensitive to one or more wavelengths of light, for example, ultraviolet (UV) light. The products may bleach, polymerize, oxidize, or otherwise be deleteriously affected by significant exposure to such wavelengths. Still other products are specifically designed to be “activated” or “cured” by a particular type or wavelength of light, e.g. one or more wavelengths of UV light.

Looking again at FIG. 1, a cap 108 detachably couples to the distal end 104 b of the exterior opaque tube 102. The cap 108 has a generally cylindrical shape that matches the cylindrical shape of the exterior opaque tube 102. In this manner, the cap 108 at least partially encapsulates the dispensing tip 210. In one non-limiting embodiment, the cap 108 detachably couples to the distal end 104 b of the exterior opaque tube 102 in a snap-fit relationship. Though in other embodiments, the capping and uncapping may be operable through a threaded-rotational relationship.

Thus, as FIG. 2 shows, when the dispensing tip 210 is uncapped, the color of the gel polish 110 is viewable through the substantially transparent outlet end 206 of the interior transparent tube 200. And as FIG. 1 shows, when the dispensing tip 210 is capped, the color of the gel polish 110 is viewable through the ornamental window 106 of the exterior opaque tube 102. In this manner, the user can view the color of the gel polish in both configurations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 300 for maneuvering an exemplary guide wire through a cavity. The method 300 provides a gel polish container and applicator that stores and dispenses a gel polish having a unique color from an elongated pen that is easy to grip and manipulate; and further provides a window that enables viewing of the color of the gel polish when the dispensing tip is capped, and a transparent tube that enables viewing of the color of the gel polish when the dispensing tip is uncapped.

The method may include an initial Step 302 of providing a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen, the pen comprising an interior transparent tube containing a gel polish, a dispensing tip in fluid communication with the interior transparent tube for dispensing the gel polish, an exterior opaque tube encapsulating the interior transparent tube and having at least one ornamental window, and a cap detachably covering the dispensing tip.

The method 300 may further comprise a Step 304 of viewing a gel polish color through the at least one ornamental window in the exterior opaque tube for verification of the color of the gel polish. When the dispensing tip 210 is capped, the color of the gel polish 110 is viewable through the ornamental window 106 of the exterior opaque tube 102. A Step 306 includes gripping a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen from an exterior opaque tube. The cylindrical shape of the exterior opaque tube 102 and the ridges 216 on the outlet end 206 of the interior transparent tube 200 work together to facilitate gripping and manipulation—like a writing pen—for application of the gel polish 110.

In some embodiments, a Step 308 comprises detaching the cap from the dispensing tip. The cap 108 detachably couples to the distal end 104 b of the exterior opaque tube 102. The cap 108 has a generally cylindrical shape that matches the cylindrical shape of the exterior opaque tube 102. A Step 310 includes viewing the gel polish color through a substantially transparent outlet end of the interior transparent tube for verification of the color of the gel polish. When the dispensing tip 210 is uncapped, the color of the gel polish 110 is viewable through the substantially transparent outlet end 206 of the interior transparent tube 200.

In some embodiments, a Step 312 may include engaging the nails with the dispensing tip. The dispensing end 214 of the dispensing tip 210 engages the nails at a desired angle and force to dispense accordingly. A final Step 314 comprises applying the gel polish on the nails. This step is easier since the color of the gel polish 110 was verified by actually looking at the gel polish through the interior transparent tube 200, rather than a representative sample of that color on a colored label stuck on the exterior opaque tube 102. This creates a more accurate color depiction of the gel polish 110.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen, the pen comprising: an interior transparent tube defined by a substantially transparent sidewall forming an interior volume, the substantially transparent sidewall comprising an outlet end forming an outlet port, the interior transparent tube being operable to contain a gel polish in the interior volume; a dispensing tip affixed to the outlet port of the interior transparent tube, the dispensing tip comprising a coupled end and a tapered dispensing end, the dispensing tip being in fluid communication with the interior volume of the interior transparent tube, whereby the tapered dispensing end controllably dispenses the gel polish; an exterior opaque tube at least partially encapsulating the interior transparent tube, the exterior opaque tube comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the exterior opaque tube further comprising at least one ornamental window, whereby the at least one ornamental window enables viewing of the color of the gel polish in the interior volume of the interior transparent tube; and a cap detachably coupling to the distal end of the exterior opaque tube, the cap at least partially encapsulating the dispensing tip, whereby when the dispensing tip is uncapped, the color of the gel polish is viewable through the substantially transparent outlet end of the interior transparent tube, whereby when the dispensing tip is capped, the color of the gel polish is viewable through the at least one ornamental window of the exterior opaque tube.
 2. The pen of claim 1, wherein the interior transparent tube has a generally cylindrical shape.
 3. The pen of claim 1, wherein the interior transparent tube comprises glass or a transparent polymer.
 4. The pen of claim 1, wherein the outlet end of the substantially transparent sidewall comprises multiple ridges.
 5. The pen of claim 1, wherein the exterior opaque tube has a generally cylindrical shape.
 6. The pen of claim 1, wherein the ornamental window has an hourglass shape.
 7. The pen of claim 1, wherein the cap has a generally cylindrical shape.
 8. The pen of claim 1, wherein the cap detachably couples to the distal end of the exterior opaque tube in a snap-fit relationship.
 9. The pen of claim 1, wherein the tapered dispensing end of the dispensing tip comprises a felt material.
 10. The pen of claim 1, wherein the dispensing tip tapers from the coupled end to the tapered dispensing end.
 11. The pen of claim 1, wherein the gel polish incudes at least one of the following: nail gel polish, a nail gel polish, a nail polish, a nail varnish, and a lacquer configured to protect nails against drying out and cracking.
 12. The pen of claim 1, further comprising a UV protective coating or lens.
 13. The pen of claim 12, wherein the UV protective coating or lens overlays the ornamental window.
 14. A gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen, the pen consisting of: an interior transparent tube defined by a substantially transparent sidewall forming an interior volume, the substantially transparent sidewall comprising an outlet end forming an outlet port, the outlet end comprising multiple ridges, the interior transparent tube being operable to contain a gel polish in the interior volume; a dispensing tip affixed to the outlet port of the interior transparent tube, the dispensing tip comprising a coupled end and a tapered dispensing end, the dispensing tip being in fluid communication with the interior volume of the interior transparent tube, whereby the tapered dispensing end controllably dispenses the gel polish; an exterior opaque tube at least partially encapsulating the interior transparent tube, the exterior opaque tube comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the exterior opaque tube further comprising at least one ornamental window, whereby the at least one ornamental window enables viewing of the color of the gel polish in the interior volume of the interior transparent tube; a UV protective coating or lens overlaying the ornamental window; and a cap detachably coupling to the distal end of the exterior opaque tube, the cap at least partially encapsulating the dispensing tip, whereby when the dispensing tip is uncapped, the color of the gel polish is viewable through the substantially transparent outlet end of the interior transparent tube, whereby when the dispensing tip is capped, the color of the gel polish is viewable through the at least one ornamental window of the exterior opaque tube.
 15. The pen of claim 14, wherein the interior transparent tube has a generally cylindrical shape.
 16. The pen of claim 14, wherein the interior transparent tube comprises glass or a transparent polymer.
 17. The pen of claim 14, wherein the exterior opaque tube has a generally cylindrical shape.
 18. The pen of claim 14, wherein the ornamental window has an hourglass shape.
 19. The pen of claim 14, wherein the cap detachably couples to the distal end of the exterior opaque tube in a snap-fit relationship.
 20. A method of application of gel polish with a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen, the method comprising: providing a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen, the pen comprising an interior transparent tube containing a gel polish, a dispensing tip in fluid communication with the interior transparent tube for dispensing the gel polish, an exterior opaque tube encapsulating the interior transparent tube and having at least one ornamental window, and a cap detachably covering the dispensing tip; viewing a gel polish color through the at least one ornamental window in the exterior opaque tube for verification of the color of the gel polish; gripping a gel polish color indicating and dispensing pen from an exterior opaque tube; detaching the cap from the dispensing tip; viewing the gel polish color through a substantially transparent outlet end of the interior transparent tube for verification of the color of the gel polish; engaging the nails with the dispensing tip; and applying the gel polish on the nails. 